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Law being amended to impose heavier penalties for gang crimes

The Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology has submitted proposed legal amendments to the Attorney General's Office (AGO) aimed at curbing gang-related crimes by imposing stricter penalties on offenders.

The draft bill, which outlines the necessary provisions to combat gang activities, defines the terms "gang," "gang member," and "gang leader." It specifies that individuals who participate in, assist with, conspire to commit, or directly engage in violent or intimidating criminal acts, either individually or with the support of others, will be classified as gang members.

The bill identifies certain behaviors and territorial markings, such as graffiti, signs, or symbols in specific streets, alleys, parks, or public spaces on an island or city, as indicators of gang affiliation. It also includes individuals who frequently occupy these areas, follow specific rules, and identify with particular names or symbols. Police records showing organised activities or the involvement of individuals with a history of repeated criminal offenses also serve as evidence of gang activity.

The bill further criminalises seeking or receiving financial or material assistance from gang members or leaders. It stipulates that if money from an account belonging to or controlled by a gang member or leader is transferred to another individual's account and remains there for more than two days, it constitutes an offense.

The penalties for these offenses include fines ranging from USD 32,000 to USD 65,000. If the fine is not paid within the specified period, all bank accounts in the name of the offender will be frozen for five years. Repeat offenders also face prison sentences of five to 10 years.

The government is committed to addressing drug-related and gang crimes over the past five years and it has drafted and forwarded this bill to the AGO. Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan has reiterated the government's zero-tolerance policy on gang crime and drug-related offenses, emphasising that these legal amendments are part of their broader strategy to combat these issues.